Patch Election Q&A: Matt Brolley on Question #3

The question:

One candidate has suggested returning to a village administrator form of government. How do you feel about the current village manager system? Do you see this as an area where the village could save money?

I did some research in this area this week. Years ago, the village operated in a commission form of government where each of the trustees oversaw a department. If the suggestion is to return to this type of government, I am completely against it. It would be a huge step back from where we are currently where highly educated professionals manage the day to day operations of each department. Strictly from a financial perspective, the inefficiencies in the old system would absolutely cost us more in the long run.

It is my understanding that the main difference between your typical village manager and village administrator would be hiring authority. Ultimately, the board would have to previously approve funding for any new hire positions. For example, many years ago the board approved the creation of a public works director position. It was then the village manager’s role to seek out the most qualified individual available. I do not see any problem with this type of system.

I think we are backing into defining the role of our village board. I firmly believe that the board should have the ultimate authority granted by our ordinances and the state to set the policy and vision for our future. Then hire professional staff to manage the day to day tasks to take us there. This staff will undoubtedly have better knowledge of state and national laws, human resource requirements, acceptable accounting practices, current engineering standards (highways, public works, stormwater detention, floodplain management) and available grants, etc. Requiring the board to manage these responsibilities would surely cost taxpayers massive amounts of money and a drop in the quality level of service they are used to.

I do not, in any way, see reverting to either a village administrator or commission form of government as a meaningful cost savings for the village.